Let's Support Mediocrity!

The national news has been rather depressing lately.  From the VA Scandal to the Bowe Bergdhal swap, I've noticed that we seem to be praising mediocrity.  From praising the incapability of leaders to the desertion of those who have taken oaths to protect our nation, the majority of the those around us have taken hold of the idea that those who only do the minimum (if that) are the ones that deserve our praise.

This mentality has unfortunately taken hold in education as well.  Administrators are often forced to reward those who only perform at a minimum level.  They then in return, only expect to be surrounded by mediocre teachers and treat all teachers the same way; whether they are mediocre or exceptional.  Half the time, they just treat you as mediocre teacher and oftentimes to keep themselves feeling powerful in their positions.

Is this how we treat our students?  Do we praise mediocrity within our classroom?  Do we keep our standards at a reachable height, or do we keep it lower than where they're at?  Do we keep those who are on the higher end of our class progressing or do we only focus on those struggling?  Do we only expect mediocrity from our students?  Do we treat them as such?

Mediocrity is a plague that is infesting our classrooms.  Most students want to be challenged, but it often is not happening at home or in other places.  With the rising of unemployment and lack of economic growth in many parts of the nation, we are told that we need to just "toe the line" and just be like everyone else.  Have you met many normal "toe the line" kind of band or choir director? I have not!  As a matter of fact, all those directors who have inspired me over the years, are the ones who did not expect mediocrity but exceptionalism.  They never once asked for me to "toe the line" or be like everyone else.  They expected and encouraged hard work, self-motivation, and dedication.  They knew that if we would be mediocre, we would not be capable of being successful.

So the same should be with us.  We can not let ourselves expect mediocrity.  We must do as those before us have! We need to inspire those around us to work hard, to be self-motivated, and to be dedicated!  Mediocrity has no place in our classrooms.  No one is entitled to a good experience!  No one is entitled to being successful!  Hard work is needed and required!  We can not allow ourselves to treat students as if they are mediocre, but as to what they are capable of becoming.

Can't means I Won't

I have been inspired lately by a 14 year-old boy who was born without arms.  He is determined to play football and not take anyone's pity.  If he drops his backpack in the hall and someone picks it up for him, he puts it back down on the ground and picks it up him self.  He plays kicker for his high school football team and has a dream to play for the NFL. 

When asked  if he ever gets discouraged he said that the only time he thinks about not going to be able to do anything, is when it comes to chores.  But on a more serious note, he has one quote that his mother taught him that has kept him going.  "I Can't Means, I Won't."

As teachers, we need to have this attitude with our students.  In a seemingly never ending world of negativity towards the education system, we need to do our part in building the confidence of those around us including parents, administrators, and other teachers.

As we have the attitude of saying "I Can't, Means I Won't," we will have a greater chance of impressing those around us.  We would be the ones taking education that one step farther.  Outsiders will not be looking at us as entitled, stagnant suckers of tax money.  They will see that we are able to continue learning new techniques, to reach every child, and to sacrifice our time and energy for the students.

This motto will also help us increase our standards for our students.  They will be able to see our attitude towards learning.  They will see that we are willing to take risks in order to improve our abilities.  Once this moral authority is noted, they will then work harder to improve themselves.

As we remind students that "I Can't, Means I Won't," they will not give up so easily.  Just because something is new, does not mean they will give up, but they will persevere through it.